State of the County at 1 p.m. Sept. 17. Register at http://stateofthecounty.ventura.org/
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 16 — State of the County at 1 p.m. Sept. 17
Category: News
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Air Quality Watch and More
At (the Sept. 15) Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. Santa Barbara County remains in the purple tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics. However, according to the graph below, we are getting closer to meeting the metrics of the red tier after recovering from the spike we endured in July.
County of Ventura — Interim Halloween Guidance
As fall approaches families start to plan for the upcoming holiday season beginning with Halloween. Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated does not allow you to minimize contact with non-household members, it is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives. The Ventura County Department of Public Health would like to share information on how to take part in this holiday in a manner that reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated are not permitted this year, consider some safer alternatives that are listed below.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 15 — Participating in the 2020 Census helps our community!
The Census helps determine how billions in federal funding is distributed to our community over the next 10 years.
There are three easy ways to complete the Census survey:
By phone at 1-844-330-2020
Online at www.my2020census.gov
By mail – you can send in the paper form that you should have received in the mail if you still have not completed the Census.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency completes phase two of the Potrero Road Bike Lane Project
The Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Roads and Transportation (VCPWA-RT) celebrated the completion of both project phases of the Potrero Road Bike Lane Project with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 10 which was attended by Supervisor Parks as well as a select few members of the project due to Covid-19 restrictions.
As a part of the project, the first phase, which was completed in December 2019, consisted of widening from the intersection of Potrero Road and Trentwood Drive northbound towards bridge #231 for 1.3 miles to create Class II bike lanes on both sides of the road. It also restriped 0.6 miles to the Thousand Oaks city limit. The second phase of construction began in May 2020 and extended the widening another 1.5 miles to Hidden Valley Road. Phase 2 widened both sides of Bridge #231 and was completed last month.
Santa Paula Art Museum — You Should Probably Write This Down
September is National Literacy Month and we’ve got books on the brain here at the Santa Paula Art Museum. You’re definitely going to want to book it to our next Art To-Go Bag giveaway featuring lots of fun art and bookmaking activities for the kids (see below). And be sure to read on for information about our upcoming, outdoor art classes. Speaking of reading, a few years ago we came across an article in the old Santa Paula Chronicle about the making of a very special painting, and we’d love to tell you the whole story.
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Appoints New President & CEO
Kenneth Trigueiro has been selected to serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH). Taking over from John Fowler, who has served the organization for over a decade, Trigueiro who is the current Executive Vice-President will assume his new appointment on Monday, October 5th.
September is National Pediatric Awareness Month and Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation would like you to meet Axel!
Just imagine having a child with cancer during this COVID-19 crisis–a pandemic that is leading to job loss or insecurity, financial hardship, mounting health concerns, and an overworked and exhausted health care community.
Today, you can have a direct and meaningful impact on local families who have a child with cancer and need your help..
Meet Axel! We are honored to share his uplifting story, as told with the help of his mom, as a way of spreading some positive light during these frequently dark periods of COVID-19.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) & Buffalo Wild Wings Team Up to Support At-home Activities & Fitness for Local Youth
As part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America ALL STARS annual grant program, sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has received 200 sport balls to help local Club kids participate in a healthy activity at home.
Both the WHO and CDC recommends a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity everyday for youth. With kids being at home and parks and playgrounds being closed, being active for 60 minutes becomes that much harder for some youth, especially those who are disadvantaged.
Richard Childress Racing and Avalan Go Gold in NASCAR Cup Series in September for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation
For the month of September, Avalan is going gold for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF). TBCF is a non-profit organization serving families who have a child with cancer in the Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Their mission is to provide financial, emotional, and educational support to families battling pediatric cancer.
Each September, in recognition of National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation hosts their Gold Ribbon Campaign, and Avalan Wealth is a proud sponsor.
UCSB — The Current — A Top Ten — Again
U.S. News & World Report ranks UC Santa Barbara No. 6 among the country’s top public universities.
CSUCI mathematics alumni excel with “big data” work at NSWC Port Hueneme Division
Six CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Mathematics alumni are doing exceptional work with so-called “big data” out at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) in Port Hueneme.
So much so, that Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) Acquisition Support Manager Robert Howard would welcome any other CSUCI students interested in a career with the U.S. Navy.
“I love working with CSUCI,” Howard said. “Most of the students have roots here and are looking for a long-term career with the Navy. I love the fact that most of them are local.”
Ventura County Arts Council — Our new newsletter, virtual gallery, website and more!
Greetings! Amidst the challenges we have all experienced over the past several months, we know this: art helps. It’s a source of inspiration and hope, a way to express, a place to take comfort and a pathway to connection and community. How has it helped you? What have you been creating or enjoying during this time? We know that now more than ever, we must champion local artists and arts organizations, and that our community needs fresh opportunities to thrive together through art. So we’ve created a few new ways to connect with all of you.
We’re excited to offer this, our first-ever email newsletter, where we will share local arts news and opportunities. We’ve redesigned our website, which includes a new virtual gallery that features artwork from local artists in our competitive shows and curated exhibits. You can also follow what’s new in the virtual gallery on Instagram. Finally, our radio show, TEEN CENTRIC, is now on YouTube, featuring poetry by local teens. Refer us to a friend! They can sign up to receive this newsletter.
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Gold Ribbon Campaign Raises Awareness for Pediatric Cancer Throughout September
Just imagine having a child with cancer during this COVID-19 crisis–a pandemic that is leading to job loss or insecurity, financial hardship, mounting health concerns, and an overworked and exhausted health care community.
COVID-19 is creating even greater challenges for local families battling childhood cancer. Many of these families have lost their jobs and?are no longer able to buy food and clothing for their families or pay rent or medical expenses including critical prescriptions. Several of these families have also had a family member contract COVID-19 as well, which is very concerning considering that they are caring for an immune-compromised child.
CORE – Chiques Community Coalition to present virtual ‘People’s Summit 2020 on Civil Gang Injunctions’ on Sept. 12
The Third California State-wide People’s Summit on Civil “Gang” Injunctions will be a virtual event, streaming live on the both, our Zoom link and Face Book from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020.
The People’s Summit will be a focused first-hand account and reflections on the historic 16 year fight and ultimate victory of CORE and the people in Oxnard in defeating the Civil “Gang” Injunctions. The unconstutional Oxnard Civil “Gang” Injunction is Dead!
Bilingual report — VCPWA – WP Solicits Community Input for Upcoming Project to Benefit Flood Zone Residents
Ventura County Public Works Agency – Watershed Protection (VCPWA-WP) is soliciting input on the Ventura River (VR-1) Levee Rehabilitation Project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The project is essential to the protection of those residents, businesses, and other resources that without the VR-1 Levee would be located within the one percent annual chance (also known as the 100-year) flood zone.
New mural by Skye Sweet now on display at The Collection
The Collection at RiverPark is now home to a new mural by local artist Skye Sweet. The mural tells the story of the many people who helped bring the shopping center to life, preserving their legacy in intricate details and vibrant colors.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 update for Sept. 10
If you or someone you care about is in crisis there is help. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255. September is suicide prevention awareness month. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
Learn more about resources by clicking here.
Digital Safety Net Helps California Small Businesses Survive During COVID-19
The Connected Commerce Council (3C) this week released a report detailing the existence and importance of the small business “Digital Safety Net” to businesses in all 50 states. The report confirms that small businesses using more digital tools, technologies, and online marketplaces are doing better during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who embrace digital tools early and integrate them more are doing even better. 3C defines the Digital Safety Net as the free and low-cost small business services that include communications and workflow tools, digital marketing and advertising, websites and social media, back-office tools, and e-commerce and online payment tools.
Bilingual report — Santa Maria Joint Unified High School District — No Cost Breakfast and Lunch Meals
United Way of Santa Barbara County Will Distribute $2.6 Million of CARES Act Funding
In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, the City of Santa Barbara, and the City of Goleta, United Way of Santa Barbara County is offering rental assistance and other disaster response grants to eligible individuals and families. The funds were through federal grants received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
In total, $2.6 million has been awarded to United Way to manage and provide emergency rental assistance grants and other disaster response funding to our county’s most vulnerable individuals and families.
SoCalGas Increasing Rebates by 50% on Energy Efficient Appliances and Smart Thermostats Now Through December 31
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced the company is increasing rebates by an additional 50% on all energy efficient appliances offered through its rebate program now through December 31, 2020. This means customers can get an additional 50% cash back on energy efficient products that will help them conserve energy and reduce their SoCalGas bill. The rebates are funded through energy efficiency incentive programs created by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Trace the history of civil rights, explore ancient Pompeii and laugh with the Marx Brothers with CSUCI’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
When he was a child growing up in New York, actor/comedian Nicholas Santa Maria loved to listen to his parents laugh about the antics of Charlie Chaplin or the Marx Brothers.
“I realized they seem to enjoy themselves most of all when their friends and contemporaries would come over and they would talk about old movies,” Santa Maria said. “I always felt more comfortable in that old movie world.”
UCSB — The Current — Discovering an Icon
A history graduate student’s research and skill set lead to the discovery of Black nurse Biddy Mason in Depression-era murals in San Francisco.
CEC Launches Solarize Ventura County with Webinars on Solar, Battery Systems, and Electric Vehicles
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced the launch of this year’s Solarize Ventura County – a community-led, group purchasing program for solar and battery systems open to residents of Ventura County through December 9. CEC’s 2020 program is offered in partnership with Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, the County of Ventura, and the cities of Ventura, Thousand Oaks, and Camarillo.
To take part in the program, homeowners can visit SolarizeVentura.org to submit an application. On the website, those looking for more information can also register for CEC’s free webinars:
VCCCD Board of Trustees Approves Resolution on Access and Accessibility
Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees fully supports and is committed to serving its approximately 31,000 students by making the District the accessibility leader for the State of California and the California Community Colleges System.
Recognizing that succeeding in college is an important step in mobility, independence and career success for students with disabilities, the Board approved a resolution on Access and Accessibility at its August meeting. The resolution coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 9 — Ready Ventura County
September is National Preparedness Month and is a good time for your family and community to make sure they have a disaster plan now and throughout the year. As our community continues to respond to COVID-19 and we head into peak wildfire season, there is no better time to get prepared than now.
Make a plan today! Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
For more tips and to view a printable version of the Ready Ventura County Emergency Preparedness Guide, click on the link below.
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Gold Ribbon Campaign Honors The Lilley Family and Summaer Cole & Susie Perry
This year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) will be honoring The Lilley Family and Summaer Cole & Susie Perry from Ventura as they host their annual Gold Ribbon Campaign throughout the month of September, to raise funds during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the annual in-person Gold Ribbon Campaign Luncheon at the Four Seasons Biltmore has been cancelled, which is a major source of funding for the nonprofit. This year, the Campaign is solely focused on raising funds and awareness for the organization and the families they serve.
EDC LEGAL ALERT – Protections for Residential Tenants, Homeowners and Small Landlords
On August 31, Governor Newsom signed the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 (the “Act”), urgency legislation that immediately went into effect on September 1. The Act provides temporary relief for financially distressed residential tenants, homeowners and small landlords to avoid widespread evictions and foreclosures due to COVID-19 financial hardships.
Although the Act provides some relief for residential landlords and tenants, including mobile home tenants and assessor dwelling unit rentals, the Act does not include protections for commercial landlords and tenants, who must continue to rely on existing state law, local eviction moratoriums and legal advice for guidance.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Making Progress
Although we have not reduced our cases enough to move from the purple tier to red tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, we are making significant progress. On August 31st, the county’s 7-day case rate was 9.0 per 100,000 population. Yesterday, the Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health released our first official report card number as 8.3 cases per 100,000 population. We need to lower our 7-day average positive case number to 7 per 100,000 population to move to the red tier. If we remain vigilant and maintain this positive momentum, we will likely be able to move to the red tier by the end of September. See more about which sectors can operate in each tier.
Port of Hueneme Dock Talk eNews – September 2020
California Clean Air Day is October 7
TAKE THE PLEDGE! Join us in challenging yourself to create clean air in your community! The Clean Air Pledge allows individuals and organizations to commit to do our part to clear the air, through actions big and small.
Take the Clean Air Day Pledge!
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 8 — National Preparedness Month — Make Your Plan Today
National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our community continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.
Make a plan today! Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect our area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
Visit readyventuracounty.org
CSUCI announces second confirmed COVID-19 case
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) announced Sept. 8 that a student has a positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was on the campus Sept. 3, 2020, is not a residential student, and is now in self-isolation at their off-campus residence. Any campus buildings visited by the individual have been closed until thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
UCSB — The Current — Seeing Progress
CommUnify to replace Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County
Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County, a non-profit social services organization with a six-decade legacy of helping provide solutions for people living in poverty, has changed its name to CommUnify.
“We’ve come a long way in the 50+ years since we began,” said Patricia Keelean, CEO of the agency initially established here in 1964. “Our new name and refocused identity, tells the story of who we are now and aligns with a retooled master plan to address our commitment to seeing our whole community come together in partnership to address inequalities.” The new name is accompanied by the tagline A Community Action Agency.
Save The Date: Ventura County Farm Day Seeks Sponsors For November 1 “Biggest Little Farm” Screening at Ventura County Fairgrounds
As part of this year’s activities for its all-virtual Ventura County Farm Day, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is hosting a drive-in movie night on Sunday, November 1 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds featuring the award-winning, family-friendly documentary “Biggest Little Farm.” The evening includes a question and answer session with John Chester, farmer, cinematographer and co-founder of Moorpark’s Apricot Lane Farms where the documentary was filmed. SEEAG is seeking event sponsors.
Sign-Ups Underway For Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Youth & Government
Branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are accepting sign-ups for their Youth & Government programs. The programs are an opportunity for high school students to learn about the legislative process and what it takes to participate in such roles as elected officials, judges, lawyers, advocates, legislators, county supervisors and city council persons.
EDC Free Webinar Schedule
The Economic Development Collaborative is proud to offer the following webinars at no-cost.
Space is limited. Register today!
SEPTEMBER EDC WEBINAR SCHEDULE
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Launches Farmworker Household Assistance Program
he Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 1 approved the program design of the Farmworker Household Assistance Program, providing up to $250,000 in county general funds to match private donations made through the Ventura County Community Foundation.
The program aims to provide farmworkers financial relief from the impacts of COVID-19. Farmworkers may apply for this funding assistance from September 1 at 5 p.m. through September 30, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. at www.vchsa.org/FHAP.
Bilingual commentary — A September to Remember that Democracy is in Your Hands
Never has a September been more important to American democracy than this year with the deadline approaching to fill out U.S. Census forms and to do everything possible to make sure your vote counts in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election
During the next few weeks we will highlight the need for our reading audience to take action as these deadlines rapidly approach.
Bilingual commentary — Minority Students and STEM Education
There will always be a special place in my heart for those students who pursue a solid math education. I once had—and continue to have—the same fascination as they have with the mysterious beauty of mathematics.
When I started teaching college mathematics several decades ago, Latinos in the field of math education were relatively rare. In the more recent past, there has been a surge of interest in encouraging minority students to pursue classes in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. The technical sphere is where more lucrative careers beckon those who have the education and the wherewithal to survive the rigors of a STEM education.
County of Ventura Named #1 Digital County in the Nation by Center for Digital Government and National Association of Counties
This year’s first-place winners include:
? County of Ventura, Calif. (500,000 – 999,999 population category):
Ventura County made network upgrades to support its COVID-19 response on short notice. In addition, the county created partnerships to provide telemedicine to citizens, and the county’s Lean Six Sigma program and STEM for young women program have become county best practices.
3 de septiembre de 2020 – Información del COVID-19
Libro de estrategias del COVID-19 para el Día de Trabajo: No hay reuniones. Use mascarillas. Manténgase a 6 pies de distancia de los demás. El fin de semana festivo es un momento crucial para controlar el coronavirus.
Por lo general, que marca el último fin de semana del verano, el Dia del Trabajo es tradicionalmente un momento para barbacoas y reuniones come el ultimo “hurra” del verano. Los líderes del Departamento de Salud Pública están ofreciendo una combinación de aliento y advertencia.
Museum of Ventura County — Outdoor Exhibit: Arte Forastero + New Ivor Davis Zoom Talk!
Open now through November 30, 2020, the Museum of Ventura County and the Ventura Botanical Gardens are thrilled to host 14 regional artists in their first collaboration, Arte Forastero. Sculptures and installation works have been installed in the Botanical Gardens nursery and lower trails and in the Museum’s outdoor Plaza along Main Street in Downtown Ventura.
County of Ventura issues Special Report — 2019 Fatal Overdoses
1,651 deaths were reported to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office during calendar year 2019. Jurisdiction was accepted for 826 of these deaths, requiring further investigation and certification. Postmortem examinations were performed on 585 cases. Of the cases investigated, 149 deaths were due to medications, alcohol and or illicit drugs.
RISE received $15,000 grant from The Community Foundation Disaster Support Fund
RISE San Luis Obispo has received a $15,000 grant from The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County Disaster Support Fund to help respond to the increased demand for services due to COVID-19.
The Disaster Support Fund is designed to provide support for those greatly affected by natural disasters in our community. Grants include funding for short-term housing and rental assistance, reimbursement of equipment, health and human services, and other long-term recovery needs.
UCSB — The Current — Spurring Our Understanding
Biologists discover a gene critical to the development of columbines’ iconic spurs, which promises new insight into key innovations in evolution.
CSUCI goes virtual with a multi-faceted STEM education project funded by U.S. Department of Education grant
When the U.S. Department of Education first awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) a five-year $6 million grant to launch Project PROMESAS (Pathways with Regional Outreach and Mathematics Excellence for Student Achievement in STEM) in the 2016/17 academic year, no one could foresee what would happen in 2020/21— the last year of the grant.
Santa Barbara Art Museum — Shop Online and Support the Museum!
The Santa Paula Art Museum’s entire gift shop is now online. Shop a wide variety of gifts, including original art, accessories, cards, home decor, jewelry, and more. Place your order, and we’ll have your items ready for pickup within 48 hours.* Every purchase supports the nonprofit work of the Santa Paula Art Museum. Museum members receive 10% their entire order (just add the coupon code “Member” during checkout if you’re a current member).
United Way of Santa Barbara County Launches 2020 Red Feather Campaign to Raise Funds for Thousands of Local Students
For 24 years, United Way of Santa Barbara County (USWBC)’s Red Feather Ball event has raised funds for United Way initiatives and programs.In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way has transitioned its Red Feather Ball event to a virtual and unique United | Together Red Feather Campaign to raise funds for thousands of students in Santa Barbara County.